A variety of things can cause an allergic reaction in your dog. Allergies are a sign of sensitivity to something in the environment. And when it comes to allergies, this could be almost anything.
Allergies are most commonly associated with skin reactions, but these are certainly not the only kind of allergic reaction possible. There are also food allergies, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea. You can obtain anti-allergens from PetCareRx, but it’s important to learn about what causes them in the first place.
Some Specific Allergens
Food allergies
The protein in your dog’s food may be the culprit if he develops an allergy. This allergy will present itself as a skin condition and is considered the most common form of allergy in dogs.
Fleas
A flea bite can cause itchy skin, hair loss, and inflammation. Allergies to fleas are one of the most frequent causes of skin problems for both pets and people. You’ll know if this is what’s causing your dog’s problem when you see black specks in his fur, usually on his stomach or lower back areas where he can’t reach to lick himself.
Pollen
Seasonal allergies often cause dogs’ eyes to turn red and become watery while their noses run constantly and their paws swell up. Seasonal allergies are typically from pollen that comes directly into contact with your furry friend
An Allergy Can Come From Your Dog’s Environment
Allergies can also come from your dog’s environment, like cleaning products. These include the residue they leave behind. This is true even of seemingly benign ingredients!
If you use perfumes and scented candles, these can also bother your dog’s sensitive sniffer and eyes. Laundry detergents and fabric softeners are other culprits.
Chemicals in the air, like cigarette smoke or pollution, can bring on allergy symptoms. Dust mites and mold spores may be floating around without you even knowing it!
Pollen from trees and grasses may drift into your home through open windows or doors, causing redness and swelling to the skin under their fur. Even flea bites can cause an allergic reaction!
If Your Dog Licks His Paws a Lot or Rubs His Face
If your dog licks his paws a lot or rubs his face on carpeting or furniture, he may have allergies. The first step is to check with your veterinarian. If it is an allergy, there are some other symptoms you should look out for.
He may also develop a skin infection called pyotraumatic dermatitis, also known as “hot spots”. A hot spot can result from scratching, licking, rubbing, and chewing at the skin in response to an allergen. Hot spots are characterized by redness of the skin often accompanied by oozing and scabbing. They are usually painful for dogs and can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly appear on the torso and head.
Addressing this type of infection requires treatment typically involving topical medication as well as addressing any underlying allergy problem.
If you notice signs of a skin condition like hot spots, hair loss, or itchy skin, your vet can figure out if an allergy is a cause. Allergies can be one of the reasons for these problems because they cause inflammation that leads to itching and scratching. Your vet will run tests to determine whether your dog has allergies. If so, there are ways to manage his symptoms.
Often an Allergy Will Be Seasonal
Allergies can be seasonal or year-round, and they also may be caused by indoor or outdoor factors. This can make it difficult to determine what your pet is allergic to.
If you notice your pet has allergy symptoms only during certain times of the year, environmental allergies are more likely the cause. But if you see allergy symptoms all year round, the problem might be food-related, or due to a flea allergy.
It may even be a combination of both outside and inside allergens. Other factors that can come into play include humidity levels and barometric pressure changes.
Medication and Diet Changes
Food allergies are among the most common causes of canine allergies and can be effectively treated by eliminating certain foods from your dog’s diet, especially if you feed them commercially-prepared dog food.
If you’ve ever had to go on an elimination diet for yourself, you know how frustratingly difficult it can be to restrict what you eat. Your dog may not have the same emotional reactions that you do when they have to eliminate all of their favorite foods.
While some dogs may not care that they’re no longer getting fed their favorite treats or brands of food, others might give significant push back when faced with such drastic changes in their diet. You’ll have to decide whether it’s worth it to switch over to a more limited diet. It is essential that both potential long-term benefits and long-term effects on your dog’s happiness factor into your decision-making process.
Final Things to Keep In Mind
- Reducing the number of allergens in your dog’s environment, such as cleaning often, using an air purifier, and dusting under furniture.
- Ensuring your dog is on the right diet that doesn’t trigger allergies or allergic reactions.
- Choosing the right medication to lessen allergic reactions and reduce inflammation. Talk with your vet about antihistamines or medicated shampoos.
By knowing what to look for and how to treat it, you can help control your dog’s allergies.
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